Math Problem Statement
find the circumcenter a(2,3) B(-4, -3) C(2,-3)
Solution
To find the circumcenter of a triangle, we follow these steps:
Steps:
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Circumcenter Definition:
The circumcenter is the intersection of the perpendicular bisectors of the sides of a triangle. -
Midpoints of the Sides:
Calculate the midpoints of two sides of the triangle. -
Slopes of the Sides:
Determine the slopes of the chosen sides, then find the negative reciprocals to get the slopes of the perpendicular bisectors. -
Equations of the Perpendicular Bisectors:
Use the midpoint and perpendicular slope to write the equations of the perpendicular bisectors. -
Intersection of the Perpendicular Bisectors:
Solve the equations of the two perpendicular bisectors to find their intersection, which is the circumcenter.
Given Points:
- , ,
Step 1: Find the midpoints of two sides.
-
Midpoint of :
-
Midpoint of :
Step 2: Find the slopes of and .
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Slope of :
-
Slope of :
Step 3: Find the slopes of the perpendicular bisectors.
-
Perpendicular slope of :
The negative reciprocal of is . -
Perpendicular slope of :
Since is vertical, its perpendicular slope is (horizontal line).
Step 4: Equations of the perpendicular bisectors.
-
Perpendicular bisector of :
Using point-slope form , with slope and midpoint :
-
Perpendicular bisector of :
Using slope and midpoint :
Step 5: Solve for the intersection.
Solve the system of equations:
Substitute into :
Thus, the circumcenter is:
Final Answer:
The circumcenter is .
Would you like a graphical representation or further details?
Related Questions for Practice:
- How is the circumcenter related to the circumcircle of a triangle?
- Can the circumcenter of a triangle lie outside the triangle? Why?
- How do you find the circumradius given the circumcenter?
- What is the circumcenter of a right triangle?
- How do you prove that the circumcenter is equidistant from all vertices of the triangle?
Tip: The circumcenter is always inside the triangle for acute triangles, on the hypotenuse for right triangles, and outside for obtuse triangles!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Geometry
Coordinate Geometry
Circumcenter of a Triangle
Perpendicular Bisectors
Formulas
Midpoint formula: M = ((x1 + x2)/2, (y1 + y2)/2)
Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Point-slope form of a line: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Theorems
A circumcenter is equidistant from all vertices of a triangle.
The circumcenter lies at the intersection of perpendicular bisectors of the sides of a triangle.
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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